La Louma - Let The World Be Flooded Out

Lauren Ross (otherwise known by her musical moniker La Louma) is the very definition of an independent artist. In addition to co-founding an intrepid, LGBTQ-friendly record label (Bitchwave) and collaborating with other musicians (like none other than Annie St. Vincent), Ross has also been busy crafting a solo-project that places her many talents (singer, songwriter, classically trained musician, etc.) on full display.

An impressive collection of politically-infused post-punk anthems cleverly interwoven with a healthy dose of melody, Let The World Be Flooded Out is an artistic call to arms that is feels purposefully constructed around Ross’s inspired vocals and lyrics. And while topically-charged, defiant art is certainly nothing new, La Louma succeeds in gift wrapping an otherwise disarming message with a collection of infectiously melodic, pop-leaning indie-rock songs.

Built around a hand-clapped rhythm, the album-opening "The Decline of Nations" quickly evolves into a frenetic rocker that frames Ross’s polished voice against an otherwise punk-rock aesthetic in a way that immediately recalls some of Regina Spektor’s more amped up moments. Meanwhile, the blissfully upbeat “Tin Roof Now” and the sparsely melodic “If We Don’t Now We Never Will” highlight Ross’s ever-evolving abilities as a songwriter.

While Let The World Be Flooded Out has a few punk-rock moments (like the blistering “Hear Me Out”), the album’s true strength lies in Ross’s eclectic nature. The woodwind-driven “Brother True” is the sort of ready-for-radio anthem that Katy Perry would kill for while the monolithic drone of “I Am Here I Am” is not only an album highlight but also a dramatic glimpse of Ross’s potential. The album closes with “Little Things”, a brief yet beautiful number that frames Ross’s understated vocal with a single acoustic guitar, delivering what is perhaps the album's most stark testament to Ross’s talent.

While Let The World Be Flooded Out threatens at points to come across as a disjointed effort, repeated listens reveal a method to Ross’s madness, distilling the album’s disparate sonic themes into an inspired musical statement. Let The World Be Flooded Out is more than merely a personal catharsis on display for mass-consumption, the record is also a collection of some damn good songs.